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Background: Based on the special pattern of recurrence in the excision cavity, secondary computed tomography (CT) can be introduced after hypofractionated whole breast radiotherapy with early breast cancer, aiming for accurate delineation of tumor bed boost and reduced toxicity. This study aimed to assess the volumetric changes in the lumpectomy cavity before and after hypofractionated whole breast radiation therapy (WBRT) and related clinical factors. Method: This prospective study was designed and CT simulation was done for 45 patients from September 2019 to April 2020, two radiotherapy treatment planning were generated for each patient before and after hypofractionated WBRT. The tumor bed is defined using surgical clips, seroma, and postoperative alterations. Based on the original CT and tumor bed boost CT, statistically significant decrease was examined. The relationship between various factors and the volume decrease in the excision cavity was examined. Results: The median value of reduction in the excision cavity was 15.4 cm³with the statistical significance (P < 0.001). In multivariate linear regression, the significant variable, which predict the volume reduction, was the presence of seroma (B = 24.48, confidence interval, 13.09 to 35.87, P < 0.001). Conclusion: our results suggested significant benefit from resimulation before boost planning especially for patients with clinical evident seroma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recapitulation of well-defined α-helices could result in constrained peptide mimetics with preferable secondary structures and enhanced therapeutic properties for various purposes. Among the helix-stabilizing strategies, the nucleation strategies are able to maximize recognition specificity of the original sequence without compromising the molecular recognition surface. In this review, current methodologies of helix nucleation are introduced including their constructing strategies, structure features and proof of concept biological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cosmetic result following breast conserving surgery (BCS) for cancer influences quality of life and psychosocial functioning in breast cancer patients. A preoperative prediction of expected cosmetic result following BCS is not (yet) standard clinical practice and therefore the choice for either mastectomy or BCS is still subjective. Recently, we showed that tumour volume to breast volume ratio as well as tumour location in the breast are independent predictors of superior cosmetic result following BCS. Implementation of a prediction model including both factors, has not been studied in a prospective manner. This study aims to improve cosmetic outcome by implementation of a prediction model in the treatment decision making for breast cancer patients opting for BCS.Methods/design: Multicentre, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial comparing standard preoperative work-up to a preoperative work-up with addition of the prediction model. Tumour volume to breast volume ratio and tumour location in the breast will be used to predict cosmetic outcome in invasive breast cancer patients opting for BCS. Three dimensional (3D)-ultrasonography will be used to measure the tumour volume to breast volume ratio needed for the prediction model. Sample size was estimated based on a 14% improvement in incidence of superior cosmetic result one year after BCS (71% in the control group versus 85% in the intervention group). Primarily cosmetic outcome will be evaluated by a 6-member independent panel. Secondary endpoints include; (1) patient reported outcome measured by BREAST-Q, EORTC-QLQ-C30/BR23 and EQ-5D-5 L (2) cosmetic outcome as assessed through the BCCT.core software, (3) radiation-induced reaction (4) surgical treatment performed, (5) pathological result and (6) cost-effectiveness. Follow-up data will be collected for 3 years after surgery or finishing radiotherapy.Discussion: This randomized controlled trial examines the value of a preoperative prediction model for the treatment-decision making. It aims for a superior cosmetic result in breast cancer patients opting for BCS. We expect improvement of patients' quality of life and psychosocial functioning in a cost-effective way.Trial Registration: Prospectively registered, February 17th 2015, at 'Nederlands Trialregister - NTR4997 '. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservative management of breast cancer represents the standard treatment for early disease. Breast conserving surgery associated with radiotherapy for stage I-II has been proven to be as equally effective as mastectomy in term of local control, distant disease, and overall survival. The growing minimal invasive surgical approach on the axillary region, and the new breast reconstructive techniques, will probably lead to a significant decrease of the rate of side-effects related to mastectomy. Therefore, the adverse events caused by adjuvant radiation still remain a challenge. Cutaneous, pulmonary and cardiac toxicity represent the main toxicities of adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer. Safety profile of radiation is strongly dependent on the multidisciplinary management of the single case (systemic treatment, endocrine therapy, surgery), individual characteristics (i.e., co-morbidities, age, habits), and radiation-related aspects. Radiation techniques development, and facilities implementation concerning organs-at-risk sparing systems (i.e., image-guided radiotherapy, tracking systems, respiratory gating), represent brand new tools for the clinical oncologist, that would certainly minimize toxicity profile in the next future. However, data reported from published literature will greatly help physicians, to give to the patients appropriate counseling regarding the efficacy and potential adverse events of treatments, thus optimizing the informed decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which attempted to independently verify the utility of the Van Nuys Prognostic Index (VNPI) for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). It cites the use of the VNPI in predicting the risk of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) after excision of DCIS. It suggests that VNPI or margin width alone is not a valid tool with which to assist in the stratification of patients after excision alone for their risk of IBTR at 5 years.

Backround: Breast conservation therapy is controversial for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) due to recently reported high recurrence rates. We believe that cytologic evaluation of lumpectomy margins improves efficiency and leads to a lower recurrence rate following lumpectomy for DCIS. Methods: A prospectively accrued database of 1255 breast cancer patients at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute was found to have 218 patients with DCIS (17.4%). Of those 218 cases, 114 were treated with lumpectomy, axillary dissection, and radiation therapy; the remaining 104 patients were treated with mastectomy with or without reconstruction. Imprint cytology was used to evaluate all lumpectomy margins. Permanent sections and imprint cytology were reviewed by the same pathologist. Results: All lumpectomy specimens (116 tumors in 114 patients) were evaluated. The median follow up was 57.5 months (range 2–110 months). One hundred and three patients with 104 tumors were selected on the basis of pure DCIS (with or without microinvasion), and treated with lumpectomy, axillary dissection and radiation therapy. Of the 104 tumors utilizing attempted breast conservation therapy, 7 (6.6%) required mastectomy. There were 6 recurrences (6.1%) with a median time for recurrence of 47.5 months (range 27–85 months); four recurrences were comedo and two were noncomedo at original diagnosis. Conclusions: The determination of lumpectomy margins in DCIS patients using imprint cytology leads to an overall recurrence rate of 6.1% with reduction in operative time, and re-excision rate. Significant recurrence rates were associated with microinvasion and multifocal tumors (28%) versus simple DCIS at 5 years. Breast conservation therapy and surgical margin determination with imprint cytology for DCIS is a cost-effective and reliable method of treatment for simple DCIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]